Save Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon Pasta delivers restaurant-worthy flavor in about forty minutes, bringing together golden seared salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic cream sauce for a truly special meal. This dish feels like an indulgent night out but is simple enough to make at home on a weeknight or to impress company.
When I first discovered this pasta combo on a trip to Florence, I recreated it for a birthday dinner at home. Seeing everyone go for seconds convinced me it was a forever favorite.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: provide rich protein and beautiful flavor Be sure they are fresh bright pink with no fishy odor and remove any bones
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta: delivers a silky texture with the sauce Look for bronze-cut pasta for the best saucy cling
- Baby spinach: wilts down perfectly and adds a fresh vibrant color Choose leaves that are deep green and not slimy
- Sun-dried tomatoes: pack a punch of tangy sweetness Use oil-packed for the softest texture and deep flavor
- Small yellow onion: offers sweetness and builds the flavor base Choose an onion that feels heavy for its size and has tight skin
- Fresh garlic: brings sharp warmth Use firm heavy cloves with tight peels
- Olive oil: adds depth and is essential for cooking everything evenly Use extra virgin for the very best flavor
- Unsalted butter: mellows the sauce and adds richness Choose high quality for a creamy finish
- Heavy cream: is the secret to that luscious texture Buy cream with at least thirty-six percent fat for the richest sauce
- Dry white wine: like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity and complexity Look for one you would enjoy drinking
- Parmesan cheese: thickens and adds a salty savory finish Grate it fresh from a block for smoothest melting
- Italian seasoning: brings herbal notes Use a blend with oregano and basil for best classic flavor
- Crushed red pepper flakes: offer just a little background warmth Add more or less to your heat level
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: brighten and freshen the finished dish Always choose vibrant unbruised leaves
Instructions
- Season the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry on all sides then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper Select fillets of even thickness for even cooking
- Sear the Salmon:
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil Once the oil shimmers, lay the salmon fillets down and let them cook undisturbed for three to four minutes You want a deep golden crust Carefully flip each fillet and cook the second side until just opaque throughout Remove the salmon to a plate and loosely tent with foil
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil Add the pasta and stir to prevent sticking Cook until just al dente It usually takes one minute less than the box suggests Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining
- Start the Sauce Base:
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add olive oil with butter Once the butter melts completely, add the finely diced onion Sauté for three minutes, stirring until translucent The key is no browning to keep the sauce sweet and smooth Add minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until the fragrance deepens
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet They should gently sizzle Sauté and stir for two minutes to release their oils and flavors If you are using wine, pour it in now Stir, scraping the bottom of the pan as the wine bubbles Simmer until the liquid is reduced by half which intensifies the flavors
- Build the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes Stir slowly as the sauce simmers gently for three to four minutes allowing it to thicken but do not boil
- Melt in Cheese and Wilt Spinach:
- Add grated Parmesan cheese in small handfuls allowing it to melt smoothly Stir until the sauce is glossy and combined Add baby spinach Fold gently until the leaves fully wilt and blend into the sauce This keeps the color vibrant
- Combine Salmon and Pasta:
- Break the cooked salmon into large bite-size pieces Gently return it to the skillet along with drained pasta Toss everything together carefully so you do not break up the salmon too much Add some reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach your preferred silky consistency
- Serve and Garnish:
- Pile the pasta onto warm plates Top with additional torn basil and as much extra Parmesan as your heart desires Serve right away for the creamiest texture
Save My favorite ingredient in this dish is definitely the sun-dried tomatoes I am always amazed at how just a few strips can turn a cream sauce from mild to unforgettable One bite brings back memories of long Italian family meals full of laughter and sunny kitchens
Storage Tips
Creamy pasta dishes like this one are best eaten right away but leftovers do keep well Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days To reheat add a splash of milk or cream in a saucepan over low heat stirring gently for five to seven minutes This helps bring the sauce back to life without separating
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have salmon try chunks of seared shrimp or even leftover roast chicken Arugula or baby kale swap perfectly for the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted with roasted red peppers Gluten-free fettuccine also holds its own in this dish
Serving Suggestions
This pasta shines as a main and deserves something fresh alongside I love a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple plate of blanched asparagus Toasty bread is always welcome at the table for scooping up every drop of sauce
Save Enjoy this pasta for a special dinner or a comforting family meal. Every bite brings you the warmth of Tuscany at home.
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, you can substitute trout or cod, but adjust the cooking time so the fish is just cooked through and remains moist.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free fettuccine or linguine pasta to adapt the meal for gluten sensitivities or allergies.
- → Can dairy be reduced for a lighter meal?
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version.
- → How can I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
- → Which white wine pairs well with this?
Chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and salmon beautifully.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and cook just before serving for optimal flavor.